There’s something magical about family recipes passed down through generations. These Irish Sugar Cookies are a treasured heirloom from my grandmother, who learned to make them from her mother in County Cork. The simple ingredients come together to create a buttery, tender cookie with just the right amount of sweetness. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations or anytime you need a taste of the Emerald Isle, these cookies will transport you to an Irish countryside kitchen with every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentically Irish: These cookies feature traditional Irish flavors with a hint of vanilla and a perfectly crisp edge with soft centers.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples you likely already have on hand.
- Family-Friendly: Children love both making and eating these cookies—a perfect recipe for creating memories.
- Versatile: Easy to customize with different mix-ins or toppings to suit any occasion.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen until you’re ready to bake.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1/4 cup additional sugar for rolling (can use green-colored sugar for St. Patrick’s Day)
Directions
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add wet ingredients: Add the egg, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the butter mixture. Beat until well combined and smooth.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Chill the dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours for best results.
- Preheat the oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Form the cookies: Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in the additional sugar until coated.
- Arrange and flatten: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart. Slightly flatten each cookie with the bottom of a glass.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are just beginning to turn golden but the centers still look slightly soft.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: Approximately 24-30 cookies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour (minimum)
- Bake Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Variations
- Irish Cream Cookies: Replace the vanilla extract with 1 tablespoon of Irish cream liqueur for an adult version.
- Shamrock Sugar Cookies: Add 1/2 teaspoon of mint extract and a few drops of green food coloring to the dough, then shape into shamrocks before baking.
- Chocolate Irish Sugar Cookies: Fold in 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips to the dough before chilling.
- Citrus Twist: Add 1 tablespoon of orange or lemon zest to the dough for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Spiced Irish Cookies: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg for a warm, spiced version.
Storage and Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freezer (Baked Cookies): Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.
- Freezer (Cookie Dough): Roll the dough into balls, place on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance and keep refrigerated until ready to bake.
FAQs
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted? A: Yes, but reduce the added salt to 1/4 teaspoon.
Q: Why do I need to chill the dough? A: Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking and enhances the flavor development.
Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free? A: Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.
Q: What makes these cookies “Irish”? A: These cookies are based on a traditional recipe from Ireland, where simple butter cookies are a staple in many homes. The cream adds richness that’s characteristic of Irish baking.
Q: Can I decorate these cookies with icing? A: Absolutely! Once completely cooled, decorate with royal icing, especially with green and white for St. Patrick’s Day.
Conclusion
Grandma’s Irish Sugar Cookies are more than just a sweet treat—they’re a connection to heritage and tradition. The simple joy of biting into these perfectly balanced cookies, with their crisp edges and tender centers, brings comfort and nostalgia. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or simply craving a homemade cookie that stands the test of time, this recipe delivers on all counts. Share them with loved ones, package them as gifts, or enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee for a moment of pure bliss. May the luck of the Irish be with you as you bake these delightful cookies!
More Sweet Delights to Try
If you loved making Grandma’s Irish Sugar Cookies, why not explore more delicious treats? Try the Apple Butter Cookies – Soft & Spiced for a warm, comforting flavor. If you’re a fan of fruit-infused sweets, these Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies bring a delightful balance of tart and buttery goodness. Looking for something a little more decadent? The Cherry Chocolate Delight Cake is a must-try. For a no-bake option, indulge in the Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls—perfect for quick and easy desserts. And if you’re in the mood for a unique twist on a classic, the Maple Cookies with Maple Icing are a fantastic way to bring a little extra sweetness to your day!
Grandma’s Irish Sugar Cookies
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Electric Mixer
- Baking Sheets
- Parchment Paper
- Wire Rack
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp almond extract optional
For Rolling
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar can use green-colored sugar for St. Patrick’s Day
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add the egg, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the butter mixture. Beat until well combined and smooth.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours for best results.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in the additional sugar until coated.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart. Slightly flatten each cookie with the bottom of a glass.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are just beginning to turn golden but the centers still look slightly soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.